21 Modern Bathroom Ideas That Will Convince You to Go Sleek
As much as we love bright hues and fanciful decor, there is a case to be made for neutral color palettes, crisp minimalism, and other sleek modern bathroom ideas. Contemporary style, with its earth tones and clean lines, offers a calming effect that’s ideal for washing up and winding down. A modern bathroom can feel like your own personal at-home spa. “Beyond mere functionality, a modern bathroom is crafted to foster wellness, relaxation, and rejuvenation,” says Nicole Fuller of the New York and Los Angeles interior design firm Nicole Fuller Interiors.
If creating a soothing en suite or a peaceful powder room in your home sounds appealing, read on for 21 luxe modern bathroom ideas from top designers that will convince you to go sleek and never look back—plus, we’ve answered your burning questions about modern bathrooms before you even had to ask.
What are the key features of a modern bathroom?
A modern bathroom typically includes a neutral color scheme, clean lines, and minimal ornamentation. Natural light and greenery tend to be integrated as much as possible in this design style, while functionality and ease of use are typically prioritized. High-quality, natural materials like stone, wood, and limewash paint are frequently used in contemporary bathrooms.
“The selection of premium materials holds immense significance in crafting the perfect modern bathroom ambiance,” confirms Fuller. “Wood lends an organic, contemporary touch, evoking a sense of earthiness, while plaster offers a serene, minimalist appeal. The importance of crisp lighting cannot be overstated in establishing a tranquil atmosphere.”
How do you make a modern bathroom feel warm?
Hard surfaces can feel cold and uninviting, but there are a lot of ways to add warmth to a modern bathroom. You can offset sleek stone with organic textures like wood and rattan; you can incorporate soft textiles in the form of towels and rugs; and you can consider bringing in some curved edges. Dimmable wall lights, like sconces, can also increase the coziness.
Does a modern bathroom work in an old home?
We’re all for mixing design eras, so we love the juxtaposition of a modern bathroom in an older home. We do, however, recommend preserving any original details, like moldings or windows, during a bathroom renovation. It might sound counterintuitive, but maintaining some classic original features will make your contemporary bathroom sing.
Photo: Nick Dearden1/21Create clean lines
Clean lines are a hallmark of modern bathroom design, which is why Oliver Bindloss and George Dawes of Bindloss Dawes aligned the vanity mirror with the wall in this minimalist London project. “Bathrooms should be tranquil, restful spaces, but can often become busy with too many fittings,” says Dawes. “We simplified this bathroom by building out a box wall to allow the mirrored cabinets to sit flush. This also created space for a ledge shelf, which hides the pipework of the wall-hung sink and taps. Finishing the space in textured microcement further adds a sense of serenity."
Photo: Scott Norsworthy2/21Go for a carved stone sink
Natural stone, a quintessential modern bathroom feature, often appears in the shower or on the countertops, but Samer Shaath and Kevin Chan of Nivek Remas brilliantly used it to craft a sculptural sink in this Ontario bathroom. Paired with a matte black faucet and set against rich walnut wall paneling, the graphic carved sink steals the show. “The space is anchored by the refined granite pedestal sink,” Shaath says. “We wanted its sole presence to command attention. It exudes both strength and elegance.”
Photo: Jess Isaac3/21Or try a tiered stone vanity
We also endorse a tiered stone floating vanity, like the sea pearl quartzite showstopper in this moody bathroom by Gabrielle Aker, of Aker Interiors, in La Jolla, California. “The intention behind our custom sink was to play with materiality and scale, creating an asymmetrical foundation we carried throughout the space,” Aker shares. “The tiered design not only adds visual interest through its varied heights, but also acts as a practical shelf for guests’ belongings when entertaining.”
Photo: Matthew Millman Art: Abigail Romanchak4/21Consider a concrete vanity
In a zen Hawaii bathroom, Marion Philpotts-Miller and Anne Tanaka of Philpotts Interiors built a vanity with a cast concrete base, a pale stone slab counter, and a black Stone Forest sink. The setup is complemented by a dark tile backsplash, Aldo Bernardi Guinguette pendant lights, a custom rounded rectangular mirror by Xen Designs, simple Sun Valley Bronze hardware, and an Abigail Romanchek artwork titled Naepuni, which honors the island’s tradition of craftsmanship.
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Photo: Natasha Lee5/21Bring in a bold wallpaper
You may not think of wallpaper as modern, but this dramatic Los Angeles powder room by Alice Cheng of Shialice Spatial Design proves that it can be. The small space is covered in a design called Strata Study, a collaboration between Apparatus and Zak + Fox that evokes the layers found in nature. “The wallpaper was a mood-changer,” says Cheng. “This part of the house is nestled into a hillside and is quite dim, so we blackened out the sterile white walls to lean into the low lighting. We loved the organic pattern as a gentle nod to the surrounding bedrock.”
Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson6/21Embrace wood
To achieve warmth in a modern bathroom, embrace wood, à la this Japandi-style San Francisco bathroom by Alexis Tompkins and Leann Conquer of Chroma. The stunning walnut soaking tub by Aquatica, which was a must for the client, serves as the main character. It’s supported by ryokan-inspired oak paneling, cool Pietra del Cardosa floor tiles, ethereal sheer curtains made from an Ian Mankin fabric, and a playful Michael Anastassiades pendant.
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Photo: Evgen Avramenko7/21Source a circular tub
There’s something irresistibly whimsical about a circular freestanding bathtub, like the oversized cast marble beauty in this airy Kyiv, Ukraine, bathroom by Victoria Yakusha of Yakusha Design. It’s just irregular enough to feel fun, but it still accomplishes its primary function. “I really like round shapes and I often use them in my work,” Yakusha shares. “[The circle] is a perfect and simple shape.”
Photo: William Waldron8/21Envelop your shower in stone
For a spa-like, walk-in shower, create a cocoon of stone like Nicole Fuller of Nicole Fuller Interiors did in this lush New York City bathroom. “Travertine stone is a timeless yet modern symbol of elegance,” she explains, pointing out its mesmerizing veining. “Its inherent tranquility and calming aura make it a powerful choice for any space seeking to evoke a sense of peace and serenity.”
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Photo: Marcos Galvany9/21Or try an open rain shower
Ditch the shower door and try an open rain shower, like this glitzy Washington, DC, number by Paul Sherrill and Jose Solis Betancourt of Solis Betancourt & Sherrill. “We wanted a jet-set glam vibe,” says Betancourt. “It’s clean and contemporary, but also luxurious on every level. We chose a Port Laurent marble slab with delicate veining to act as a dramatic canopy, while panels of gold micro mosaics create an enclosure that helps break up the large space visually. LED strips positioned behind the marble accentuate the shimmering tilework.”
Photo: Björn Wallander10/21Strike a happy medium with a shower divider
Not quite open and not quite closed, the alluring shower in this Upstate New York farmhouse is architect Niels Schoenfelder’s idea of a happy medium. He custom designed a rounded, metal and fluted glass shower divider that offers some privacy, yet still leaves plenty of open air. The result is the goldilocks of modern bathroom shower design—it’s just right.
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Photo: Elisa Franceschi11/21Tap into terrazzo
Both on-trend and timeless, terrazzo belongs in a modern bathroom like this cool London space by Sash Scott of THISS Studio. “Using varying textures in bathrooms can bring a sense of gentle luxury into your space,” he says. “We used muted terrazzo tiling for the flooring and halfway up the walls to create a feeling of being grounded and enclosed. This creates a horizon line within the bathroom and adds a nice anchoring feeling while bathing.”
Photo: Molly Culver12/21Bet on brass
Modern bathrooms often include polished nickel or matte black hardware, but opting for brass can provide much-needed warmth. One example? This soothing Austin powder room by Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN, where organic Schumacher linen wallpaper is enhanced by brass accents like linear Regina Andrew Redford sconces, a Rejuvenation West Slope towel ring, and a rounded rectangular mirror. “Brass instantly adds warmth and a certain homeyness to a space,” says Sara.
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Photo: Amy Lamb/Native House Photography13/21Play with texture
Looking to incorporate some eye candy in a more minimalistic way? Play with texture like Ashley Martin of Ashley Martin Home did in this relaxed Lake Oconee, Georgia, bathroom, where the cabinet doors and drawers of the charcoal double vanity feature a pleasing fluted finish. “The fluting detail lends the space visual interest, while maintaining a timeless and livable feel,” she explains. “We chose a classic and moody color that would highlight the texture.”
Photo: James Furman14/21Combine closed and open storage
Mixing closed and open storage is decidedly modern—and extremely convenient, as evidenced by this breezy white bathroom in Carlsbad, California, by Keri Lainas of Keri Michelle Interiors. “When space allows for a longer primary vanity and you’re going for a modern look, open shelving paired with closed cabinetry is a creative and functional design solution,” she says of the white oak piece. “The open shelving creates visual dimension and allows for additional storage of towels and baskets, while the drawers can be kept for all other necessities.”
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Photo: Joshua McHugh Styling: Mieke ten Have15/21Carve out a niche
Small bathrooms don’t allow for an abundance of storage, so carve out a niche in the wall like AD100 talent Sara Story of Sara Story Design did in this gray lacquered New York City bathroom. “Instead of adding another piece of furniture into an already small space, there is a sleek, marble-lined niche,” she explains. “It’s perfect for storing essentials and is deep enough for a candle and small floral arrangement, as well. To me, a modern bathroom is stylish, yet has a core functionality.”
Photo: Jonathan Mitchell16/21Take it outside
Modern bathroom design is all about embracing the natural world, so why not bring the tub outside? That’s what Lindsay Anyon Brier of Anyon Design did in an impressive San Francisco project. “We designed the traditional Japanese onsen soaking tub to be accessed through the primary bathroom,” she explains. “The wood is cedar and the tub filler is from Vola. The plaster stool from Anyon Atelier provides a little resting spot. This elegantly contemporary retreat also features a retractable glass ceiling for a [fully] outdoor experience, weather permitting.”
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Photo: Charlotte Lea17/21Or bring the outside in
Alternatively, you can bring the outside in with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, à la this mosaic-tiled Los Angeles shower by Emily LaMarque of Emily LaMarque Design Studio. “This bathroom remodel proved to be a challenge because, while we loved the feeling of showering among the trees, the fishbowl quality of the windows was definitely an obstacle,” she admits. “To solve this problem, we installed solar privacy shades on the exterior of the house that roll up or down at the touch of a button.”
Photo: Alan Tansey18/21Pick a playful mirror
When it comes to modern bathroom decor, there’s nothing better than a whimsical mirror. The undulating Amorph Narcissus mirror, as seen in this black and white bathroom by Alison Downey of Downey Interiors, is a perfect example. “The powder bath at our Watermill, New York, project blends beach house earthiness with the clients’ refined style and modern sensibility,” Downey says. “The mirror embodies that, with its organic shape finished in a high-gloss black lacquer.”
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Photo: Emily J Followill19/21Scope out some sconces
Sconces provide soft, indirect illumination and don’t take up much space, making them an ideal light fixture for bathrooms. That’s why Mark Williams of Williams Papadopoulos Design installed long, bar-like sconces directly into the mirror of this sleek Atlanta bathroom. “We selected these fixtures specifically for their quality of light and accuracy in color rendering,” he says. “We always want to provide great light quality in the space where you get ready every morning. The ceilings are a little low, so we wanted the strong vertical lines to help the room feel taller.”
Photo: Amy Lamb/NativeHouse Photography20/21Or hang a statement pendant
Bathroom decor opportunities can be somewhat limited, so consider hanging a statement pendant light or chandelier as a focal point. Jessica Scott of House Eleven Twelve understood the assignment in this beachy Tampa, Florida, bathroom, which revolves around a sculptural rattan pendant. “We wanted to create a relaxing retreat that felt equal parts luxurious and chic,” she shares. “The pendant over the tub brought a little moment of art. We love the abstract shape and woven texture.”
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Photo: Jeff Herr21/21Incorporate contemporary art
Our final modern bathroom design idea is simple: Opt for some contemporary art. Whitney Ray of Wyeth Ray Interiors expertly executes this in a luxe Atlanta bathroom, where a Palecek Palisades rattan wall sculpture is prominently displayed alongside an inviting soaking tub of concrete and jute fibers. “The artwork is made of hand-bent rattan poles,” Ray says. “I loved the organic shape and material in the already zen space.”
